Dave Allen faced the biggest test of his career in Sheffield against the Russian powerhouse Arslanbek Makhmudov, losing a unanimous decision on the scorecards. However, the Doncaster man left nothing behind in a valiant effort.
From the opening bell, Makhmudov’s size and power were obvious. The “Lion” backed Allen up and dictated the pace behind a heavy jab, stalking him around the ring. Allen landed clean on occasion, but Makhmudov absorbed it and walked forward.
After a low blow in round two, the Russian regained control and had Allen wobbling, while the local crowd roared their man on. The fight soon became an endurance test, Allen trying to answer fire with heart and grit.
The Wilder Dream is Over
The fifth round was Allen’s best — a furious attack to the body and uppercuts through the guard lifted the crowd, but it came at a cost. Makhmudov regrouped, used his reach, and continued piling on the pressure.
By the late rounds, Allen looked for the knockout he needed. He forced the pace and refused to quit, even as Makhmudov found a second wind and boxed smartly to the finish. Two-point deductions against the visitor offered hope, but the Russian’s dominance on the cards was too much to overturn.
A valiant Allen stayed the distance but couldn’t find the breakthrough. Makhmudov’s power and composure told the story as he strengthened his push toward a world title eliminator.
WBN Unofficial Scorecard: 115-111 Makhmudov. Official Scores: 117-109, 116-110, 115-111 — all for Arslanbek Makhmudov.
A fight for Allen against Deontay Wilder turned out to be a mere pipe dream for the ‘Doncaster De La Hoya.’
Sheffield Fight Night Undercard Results
English Super Welterweight Title
Bilal Fawaz def. Junaid Bostan – W-MD (96-94, 96-95, 95-95)
Bilal Fawaz claimed the English Super Welterweight Title emotionally, asking, “I won? I’m the English champion?” before breaking down in disbelief.
Josh Padley def. Reece Belotti – UD (99-92, 97-93, 97-93)
Padley boxed with class and control to capture the WBA International Super Featherweight Title, his most significant career victory.
Hamza Uddin def. Paul Roberts – TKO Round 5
Uddin dropped Roberts three times to seize the BBBofC English Flyweight Title, moving to 6-0 and marking himself as a serious prospect.
Prelims:
Ibraheem Sulaimaan def. James Chereji – UD 80-72
Conner Tudsbury def. Khalid Graidia – TKO Round 4
Joe Hayden def. Angelo Dragone – UD 60-53
Joe Howarth def. Karl Sampson – UD 60-54
About the Author
Phil Jay is a veteran boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global fight scene. As Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News (WBN) since 2010, Jay has interviewed dozens of world champions and reported ringside on boxing’s biggest nights.
[View all articles by Phil Jay] and learn more about his work in combat sports journalism.